Nondiscrimination Protections
Nondiscrimination protections – and the lack thereof have played a growing role in Georgia’s political discourse over the last decade. Georgia is one of only three states with no statewide nondiscrimination protections, leaving Georgians uniquely vulnerable to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, county of origin, religion, ability, or other marginalized identities.
Until a statewide nondiscrimination law can be passed, Georgia Equality has long worked to pass nondiscrimination ordinances at a county and municipal level to ensure as many Georgians as possible are protected. To see our statewide progress, please click here.
Georgia Unites Against Discrimination
In January 2015, Georgia Equality launched a historic grassroots campaign with Georgia Unites Against Discrimination to oppose so-called religious freedom laws (RFRA) that essentially allow individuals to use their religious beliefs to discriminate against the LGBTQ community and others.
The campaign spread like wildfire and caused immense, nationwide economic backlash. This ultimately culminated in Republican Governor Nathan Deal vetoing RFRA in 2016, citing his faith and his belief in Georgia as a welcoming state for all people.
After successfully defending against this license to discriminate for eleven years, RFRA ultimately became law in Georgia in April 2025. Throughout those eleven years, Georgia Unites Against Discrimination brought together a broad and bipartisan array of communities beyond just the LGBTQ community– including various faith leaders, medical professionals, families, and community activists. This coalition remains a powerful force in Georgia, working to protect LGBTQ Georgians from discriminatory legislation and to expand non-discrimination protections throughout the state.
Georgia is one of only 3 states that have no statewide laws protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Workplace Discrimination
Many people across our country and across our state assume that it’s already illegal to fire someone or deny them housing or other services simply because they’re LGBT, but that’s not true. There’s no federal law protecting LGBT people from discrimination, and there are no state laws in Georgia that have explicit LGBT non-discrimination protection.
BUT didn’t the EEOC ruling fix some of that?
In July 2015, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that Title VII of the 1967 Civil Rights Act includes protection from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Previously, the EEOC found that gender identity-based discrimination is also prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The ruling applies to federal claims and will also be used by the EEOC’s offices in Georgia when investigating discrimination claims in the private sector.Georgia Equality encourages individuals who experience discrimination based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity to file a complaint with the EEOC.
Sort of…… Though there is a path forward for those with economic resources to advance legal cases of workplace discrimination – there haven’t been many rulings to set precedent, some cases are left up to the judge discretion, and would most likely end up in a time-consuming battle; also the EEOC ruling sets no protections for housing or public accommodations.
Georgia Equality believes that only the passage of state-level comprehensive LGBT nondiscrimination policies and legislation will prevent discrimination in the workplace, housing, and public accommodations.
Housing Discrimination
Georgians can be refused rental or removed from their homes because of their perceived or real gender identity or sexual orientation.
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you should contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. You may also file a housing complaint online. Contact your local HUD office for assistance with filing a complaint.
Additionally, check your local non-discrimination ordinance to see if it prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Public Accommodations Discrimination
Be refused service, entry, etc. into a place of public accommodation based on your perceived or real gender identity. Public accommodations are generally defined as entities, both public and private. Examples include retail stores, restaurants, hotels, parks, entertainment venues, as well as educational institutions, recreation facilities and service centers.
Additionally, check your local non-discrimination ordinance to see if it prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Discrimination in Prison, Jails, and Detention Centers
Georgia Equality is dedicated to putting an end to discrimination against LGBT people in Georgia prisons, jails, and detention centers.
If you have experienced discrimination while incarcerated in Georgia, please contact Sarah Geraghty, Managing Attorney of the Impact Litigation Unit at sgeraghty@schr.org or 404-688-1202.
Mapping Progress Across Georgia
For over 30 years, our organization has achieved great success for LGBTQ+ rights across the state. But the work continues. See the legislative wins, bills in progress and local campaigns that have contributed to progress across Georgia.
Issue Areas
Georgia Equality represents a large and diverse group of individuals across a wide array of issues. Some of the core issues that we have focused on include safe schools for LGBT students, workplace fairness and employment protections, public safety, parental and adoption rights, marriage equality, and HIV/AIDS and other health related issues.
Transgender Advocacy
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LGBTQ Hate Crime Protections
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HIV/AIDS Health Equity
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Non-Discrimination Protections
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LGBTQ Youth & Safe Schools
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LGBTQ Parental Rights
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LGBTQ Housing Justice
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Marriage Equality & Same-Sex Relationships
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Equality in Action
Moments that define our journey toward equality in Georgia.
